The Sacrament of Communion
The sacrament of Holy Communion (also known as The Eucharist, or The Lord's Supper) is a significant and deeply symbolic ritual of the church. It is a remembrance of the "last supper" Jesus shared with his disciples and friends where the gathered people shared wine and bread on the night before Jesus was betrayed and eventually taken away to die. It is symbolic act that connects us with each other, the global Christian community, and with God.
Here at Sunset we typically celebrate Communion at least four times a year. The United Church as a whole practices an "open table" or "open communion" where people of all ages, races, theologies, genders, orientation, denomination etc are welcome to receive the elements of the meal (in this case bread and grape juice.)
There are a variety of ways Communion can be served:
1. individual cups and bread cubes: In this case, the elements are passed among the congregation on plates. When the tray is passed to you, you take the bread or wine, and then pass the plate to the next person (or to the server if you are on an end seat). Follow the instructions of the minister: sometimes the bread is eaten before the juice trays are passed around, and sometimes you are invited to hold on to the bread until you have the cup of juice. When in doubt, follow those around you. Hold on to your cup until collection baskets make their way to you.
2. Intinction (also known as "rip and dip"): you will be invited to make your way to distribution stations where folk give out pieces of bread, and hold a cup of juice. Once you get the bread, don't eat it! You will want to dip your bread in the cup of juice (no sipping!) As you do these two things, the folks doing the distribution will say something like: "Bread for the journey" or "The cup of blessing". All you have to do is say "amen". Once the bread is dipped in the juice, you can eat it and then make your way back to your seat.
Communion often ends with a prayer and a hymn.
Most of the time, communion at Sunset is done through intinction. There is always one station that has a gluten free option for those that need it. If some one is unable to make their way to a station, then the elements will be brought to them. Please know that children are encouraged and welcome to participate in communion, and if your child has gone off to Sunday School, don't worry, someone will let the leaders know that it's communion and all the children come back to worship.
When in doubt, don't be afraid to ask a Sunset member or have a chat with the minister. We want to make your experience of Communion stress free and joyful.
Resource used: The Unofficial United Church Handbook. Edited by Scott Douglas and Nanette McKay. 2007: The United Church of Canada
Rental Information
Are you interested in renting out our space? Want a room to hold a meeting? You have come to the right page!
Sunset has several spaces that can be rented for various functions. Please see the descriptions of the rooms available below:
The Centrum:
- large open space with adjacent kitchen (can be rented at an additional price)
- Baby Grand piano can be rented for an additional price
- fits 225 people sitting in rows
- fits 202 people seated at tables
Faith Hall:
- large boardroom style table with seating for 12
- additional tables can be added
- with additional tables, can seat a maximum of 20 people seated at tables
Bright Hall:
- bright, open space
- can seat approximately 30 people in chairs
- can seat 20-24 people at tables.
Library:
- couches, chairs and cosy fireplace
- can seat 8-10 people
New Meeting Room:
- large square table
- lots of windows
- off of Faith Hall
- can close door for private meeting
- seats 10-12 people
Kitchen:
- contains a stove, microwave, fridge and commercial dishwasher
- rental includes plates, utensils, use of appliance
- cost is additional to any other room rental made
Other things to know about the church facility:
- Sunset is an Affirming Ministry which means all are welcome to be in our space, and should feel safe in this space.
- There are four bathrooms in the building: two womens, one mens and one gender neutral.
- Rental of the Centrum does not include the use of the sound system or the projection system. You are encouraged to rent a portable sound system and/or projector and bring it with you.
- A security deposit is required at the time the Rental agreement is signed. This deposit is forfeited in part or in full if the renter does not comply with the Policy and Space Use Agreement.
- Sunset is a Scent Free facility
- Alcohol is NOT permitted on the premises, and will lead to a forfeit of the damage deposit if found
For more information, to arrange a viewing of the space or to make a booking, please call the church office at 306-586-3613 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Every Sunday, or at least on the Sundays I remember, I try to welcome both the regulars and the newcomers. Often, I say something on behalf of the congregation like: "welcome, we're glad you're here." I am glad that every person sitting in the chairs got up that morning and walked through the church doors to join the community for worship. I am thrilled that week after week faces become more familiar and there is a good energy bouncing around our space. But I also know, that for the most part, we all know each other. Or at least all of you mostly know each other. I am stilling learning names and connections, which is why I reminded folk to wear their name tags this morning.
Actually, I used myself as a scapegoat.... you see, I still have the luxury of being "new" to the congregation, to say that I am learning and that there's only one of me while there is a whole bunch of you. But the process is slow, and sometimes overwhelming. And if being new is sometimes overwhelming for me, who has been in the church all my life, and who has been in your midst before, can you imagine what it would be like for someone who had just walked through Sunset's doors?
Being new at anything is nerve wracking... but trying to be a new person in a community of faith that is connected and established? That's even harder. You see, those of you who sit in the chairs reguarly, or sometimes, or once and a while, know the flow of worship, and how things go. You know where to sit, who you are going to talk to, when to stand up and sit down, what's unison and what isn't, where the bathrooms are and where coffee happens after the service. These are just some of the things we just take for granted... but if you have never sat in our chairs before, this is all new and not intuitive.
So, we need to do some thinking about what we, as an established group of people, can and should be doing in order to welcome new folk into our midst. Welcoming new people into the community because we ARE glad to have them there, and not because they are a potiential source of income or committee member. These new folk are looking for a safe place, a place where they can be, a safe place to pray, question, sing and worship. We have no idea what drew them to us or why they came through the doors on a particuar day. All we know is that we need to welcome into Sunset, to offer to sit with them or have coffee with them and to answer any questions they have.
The reality is there is very good chance that new faces will be arriving in our congregation to "check us out", to see if Sunset is a good fit for them as they figure out what they need after their church closes. How will we greet these folk? Will we let them wander in on their own, to find a place to sit only to have the chairs around them moved? How will we as regulars let these newcomers know that they are welcome and that we are glad that they are here?
I want you to take a moment to think about your first weeks at this church or whatever church you have started over in. How were you welcomed? Were you welcomed? What made you stay?
When David and I first came, when we didn't have kids, we came because we knew one of the ministers. We stayed because one or two people welcomed us and showed us the ropes and introduced us to others. Week after week, folk interacted with us, and talked with us making us feel a part of things.
So first impressions count.
In the next little while, we will need to do some strategic thinking on how we create a welcoming space. In the mean time, I want to challenge you. 1. find and wear your name tag -- I know full well that it makes you vulnerable because then people can know who you are and use your name in conversation, but it's also helpful for those folk who come back. 2. If you see someone new, simply greet them and introduce yourself welcoming them to our church. Let them know that if they have questions you are a good person to ask. Introduce the person to one or two other people, include them in your conversation at coffee. You may need to break out from the routine of what you do at church, but that's okay. You can get back to routine...you cannot re-do a first impression.
Sunset is a welcoming and safe space for all kinds of folk -- and this should be seen in word and action. Live into this description. Take a risk and welcome the newcomer, as they took a risk to join us.
Blessings and peace, friends.
Sunset United Children’s Clothing and Toy Consignment Sale
Sunset runs one of the longest running children’s clothing and toy consignments sales in Regina. There are two sales a year; one in the spring and one in the fall. The sale is a great way for families to outfit their children for a reasonable price, while it helps other families clear out things they have outgrown. We have clothing items (including shoes) from newborn up to size 16 and have a wide range of toys, furniture, games, books, baby essentials, and other accessories as well.
After a 2 year break, the sale has returned: Saturday, September 24 11:00am to 2:00pm.
Shopping tips:
- Bring a large tote or laundry basket
- We accept Cash, Cheque, and Debit
- Volunteers shop early, contact the correct email for more information!
Like our page on Facebook to get updates and to see photos of previous sales.
There are many ways to get involved in the sale.
Do you want to become a consignor? Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Would you like to volunteer at the sale? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Have any other questions about the sale? Let us know at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sunday Worship Service (h1, basic)
Sunday Worship Service (h1, color1)
Sunday Worship Service (h1, color2)
Sunday Worship Service (h2, basic)
Sunday Worship Service (h2, color1)
Sunday Worship Service (h2, color2)
